affiliated to the BCU

Health and Safety Policy

Health and Safety Policy

General statement
Matlock Canoe Club is committed to ensure the health, safety and welfare of members so far as is reasonably practicable. The Club also fully accepts responsibility of the health, safety and welfare of those who may be affected by our activities.

Matlock Canoe Clubs objectives are:
To provide and maintain a healthy environment for all Club users.

To provide health and safety information, training and supervision as necessary.

To ensure that all equipment is maintained properly and only used in good working order.

To encourage Club members to take reasonable care for the health and safety of him/herself, fellow members and all persons accordingly and to report any hazard which cannot be controlled personally to appropriate personnel.

To ensure that club members observe health and safety rules and procedures laid down by the club and use health and safety equipment provided.

This policy will be regularly monitored to ensure that the objectives are achieved. It will be reviewed and, if necessary, revised in the light of legislative or organisational changes.

Facilities Officer: Responsible for the maintenance of equipment, building and surroundings.

Organisation and Responsibilities for carrying out the PolicyFire and Emergency Procedures

In the event of fire immediately vacate the area and assemble 500m away from the incident.

Call the fire brigade – 999. Wait for arrival and direct the emergency services to the incident.

Do not attempt to fight a fire.

Do not return to vicinity of fire until all clear given.

Accident/Incident procedures
Make area safe

Contact first aider if there is an injured person

If necessary contact the emergency services

Report the accident/incident using the accident reporting book and incident reporting book (held by Chairman).

Investigate all serious accidents/incidents and report on steps to prevent
Recurrence

Report serious accidents to BCU/Insurance/RIDDOR

Child Protection
Matlock Canoe Club wishes to ensure that all those taking part in club activities are able to do so, protected and kept safe from harm. The Club recognises its specific duties towards children and vulnerable adults. In order to protect this group the Club has implemented a child and vulnerable adult protection policy and procedure. See the website for the link to this policy.

Location of first aid boxes
Green Electric Lockup at the side of the river (steps)

Individual Coaches and Leaders

Risk assessments
The Club, in so far as is reasonably practicable, shall ensure:

That suitable and sufficient assessment is made of the risks to the health and safety of club members and others affected by the club’s activities.

That adequate control measures are implemented to control identified risks.

That all such assessments are reviewed periodically and, if necessary, revised in the light of legislative or organisational changes.

That all members of the Club, and in particular duty holders, are provided with sufficient information, instruction, and training as is necessary to enable them to comply with local risk assessment procedures.

All members of the Club shall comply with the Club’s procedures for risk assessment.

Health and Safety Arrangements
Club Rules

Members are reminded that below the Pavilion access point there is a potential fatal weir. If in doubt do not paddle.

Request the company of an experienced paddler and inspect before using the water.

Never paddle in groups of less than three especially on unfamiliar water.

Normal paddling levels are several centimetres below the landing stage. Levels above the landing stage; request the assistance of an experienced paddler who will help you to assess the river before you get onto water.

Always follow coaches/leaders instructions.

Do not access the water unless instructed by a coach/leader.

Always wear a CEE approved helmet, and buoyancy aid.

Be aware and check other people’s spraydeck loops are showing and not tucked inside.

Be aware of potential hazards, trees, rocks, weirs etc. Always be aware of other water users.

Inspect and portage where necessary.

Be honest with yourself; do not exceed your paddling ability.

Anyone who purchases a new boat is advised to seek assistance and check they can confidently exit the vessel before embarking on any activity. If you are thinking of purchasing a new boat take advantage of club advice.

Remember your actions directly affect others you paddle with and therefore the safety of any group must be paramount.